John Wolbert
Councilman, Beaver Borough
Member of NEOC class of 2007-2008
724.774.0430
jeepsterj@verizon.net
For the past two years I have been attending my Borough Council meetings each month. I attended, intending to voice my opinion on several issues with which I disagreed. In listening to the council and the service requests of the residents I was unable to separate fact from fiction. My experience was that of a citizen with some of the same issues as my neighbors. In order to understand council’s point of view I felt it was time for me to run for office. Since I am a retired teacher, I felt that I had the time to devote.
My goal is to see to it that my community is well managed, well maintained, and well protected. I want to be the voice for those I serve by letting them know that I am listening and always treating them with the utmost courtesy and respect.
By making myself available, I have had requests for service brought to my attention. Older residents who would not go to a Council Meeting have contacted me because I made the effort to meet them. I believe good communication is the key to understanding and accepting that which we do not like, even when it is in the best interest of all.
When I received the information from the Local Government Academy introducing the Newly Elected Officials Courses, I was very excited. They were offering me a smooth transition from John Wolbert, citizen, to John Wolbert, Councilor. Not being one strongly interested in the study of government, they would provide me with the background knowledge to step into my new role in the community with understanding and confidence. An understanding that, I believe, would take others many months to acquire. The course sequence was perfect. Prior to my first official Council Meeting I already had under my belt a working knowledge of the Sunshine Law, the powers and limits of municipal government, the sources of municipal revenues and good budgeting practices. Based on the background of the presenters and the quality of instruction, it is evident that much time and thought has been put into this program. The classes have opened my eyes to the many issues that I will need to understand in order to make wise decisions for all the residents of Beaver. Each class clarified and reaffirmed what I presently knew and, at the same time, provided me with knowledge that I could use immediately. At my first Council Meeting I presented material on the Sunshine Law given by Attorney Roberts. Quite frequently executive sessions are announced for “personnel matters.” Attorney Roberts made it very clear that this is just a general term and that council must use a more specific term, for example, “negotiations”, “hiring”, or “disciplinary action”. I am presently waiting to see how this was received. I thoroughly enjoyed Attorney Beatty’s lecture on “Managing Human Resources.” Operating municipal government like a business and taking lessons from the same makes so much sense. The council is equated to the professional board of directors and the manager is the professional manager. Council will set policy and the appointed manager will be accountable to see that policy is followed.
I believe my participation in these classes will help me accomplish my goals of being knowledgeable, appropriately responsive and responsible to the citizens. By working hand in hand with my fellow councilmen and women, I hope to keep Beaver the beautiful and inviting town that it is. With the understanding that we are part of an entire region of governments, we need to work together to find solutions to our common problems.
March 6, 2008 - Approaching Graduation: Telling the Story of LGA's Newly Elected Officials Course 2007-2008 with John Wolbert, Councilman, Beaver Borough
As my twelve-week experience with
the Local Government Academy
This past session on “Public Communication/Technology” will be quite helpful if I am called upon to respond to the news media. I now have tools available to me by which I can properly and professionally speak to this group. This was an excellent confidence building session. Communication with constituents and press is expected, and is a responsibility for each of us who was sworn into office in January. It has always bothered me when an elected official, or anyone for that matter, responds with “no comment”. This does nothing but create distrust. Every question deserves an honest response. There is a proper way to respond, even in delicate situations.
With only one more class scheduled in this session, I know that I will continue to look at future L.G.A. offerings and return for follow-up classes. The classes have been well worth my community’s investment. I hope to use what I have learned to guide others in understanding their commitment and the responsibilities they have undertaken. I see the course as a must for all those serving in public office, both newly elected and incumbents. Fresh and new ideas, looked at in a positive way, can keep the elected from becoming stagnant. To the staff at L.G.A., thank you for a fine learning experience that has helped me immeasurably.
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